Negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating in adolescent girls.
Previous research has established a link between weight-based teasing and binge eating, though the precise mechanisms that drive this relationship remain unknown. This study examined negative affect as a mediator of the relationship between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Participants included 265 adolescent female twins (aged 10-15 years). Self-report measures assessed binge eating, weight-based teasing, and negative affect. Mediation was tested within hierarchical linear models to control for the non-independence of the twin data. Significant positive associations were observed between binge eating, teasing, and negative affect. In the regression analyses, negative affect partially mediated associations between weight-based teasing and binge eating. Results suggest that increases in negative affect are one way in which weight-based teasing leads to binge eating in girls. Future studies should examine additional mediators and assess possible clinical applications of these findings.
Suisman
Jessica L
JL
Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. suismanj@msu.edu
Slane
Jennifer D
JD
Burt
S Alexandra
SA
Klump
Kelly L
KL
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000339:Affect; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016014:Linear Models; D010379:Peer Group; D012919:Social Behavior